Key Points
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New technology for caries prevention.
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Targeted fluoride for at-risk children.
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Long-term caries prevention delivery system.
Abstract
Aims The aims were to evaluate a) whether a slow release fluoride-glass pellet (SFG) would be retained in the mouth and release fluoride (F) over a long period of time, b) what concentrations of F in the glass would provide ideal intra-oral saliva F concentrations and c) whether an SFG would affect blood plasma concentrations of F after swallowing compared with ingestion of a commercial NaF tablet.
Methods a) A prototype SFG was attached to a maxillary molar of a volunteer. Baseline saliva F concentrations were measured prior to glass placement, daily in week one; one day a week for weeks two to three and then one day a month up to 18 months. Four subjects had the SFG for six months with saliva F concentration assessments at periodic intervals. b) SFGs containing F at 13.3%, 18.3% and 21.9%, and an improved solubility, were tested using three volunteers and saliva F concentrations measured. c) Five volunteers each swallowed either a SFG or a NaF tablet. Blood plasma samples were taken at baseline and F measured at time intervals of 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 mins post-ingestion.
Results a) The prototype SFG were successfully retained and released F into saliva; mean concentrations of 0.035 mg L−1 were achieved lasting for over 18 months. Overall saliva F concentrations were approximately doubled. Analysis of the pellet at the end of use showed it still contained some F possibly indicating a recharging effect. b) The 13.3% F concentration SFG produced significantly higher saliva F levels than the two other concentrations tested. The two higher concentration F glasses contained aluminium as part of the formulation of the glass structure, which is known to bind F whereas the 13.3% glass contained F alone. c) While blood plasma F levels increased after ingestion of the NaF tablet there was no increase in F when the SFG was swallowed.
Conclusion A slow release F containing glass device showed promise as a means to enhance intra-oral F saliva concentration.
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Acknowledgements
This research was support by a grant from the Wolfson Foundation. The fluoride releasing glasses were supplied by Telsol Ltd. Beechams plc supplied the fluoride free toothpastes. All studies were conducted after approval by the Ethics Research Committee of Leeds United Teaching Hospitals Trust. The authors gratefully thank Dr H. M. S. Bashir for technical expertise in this research.
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Curzon, M., Toumba, K. In vitro and in vivo assessment of a glass slow fluoride releasing device: a pilot study. Br Dent J 196, 543–546 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4811225
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4811225
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